Sabula, Iowa

2001 Flood

This riverfront homeowner had his own backyard flood gauge (see below).

Sabula is known as the "Island City". It is the only town in Iowa built on an island.

Sabula flooded from below. The river was just below the level of the town, and the water
table was very close to the ground. Everyone had at least one sump pump running, and the
water pumped out of basements was collecting on the streets and in yards, as it had nowhere
else to go.

Flood crest 22.26 feet, Monday, April 23, 2001, when these photos were taken.
Damage: Basement damage likely in many homes.